Shoulder surgery forces Kristen Faulkner to sit out the rest of the season
Kristen Faulkner, the Olympic and U.S. national champion, has announced that she will miss the remainder of the 2025 season due to shoulder surgery. The surgery, which was necessary to stabilize cartilage in her right shoulder, was performed after an MRI scan organized by EF Education-Oatly's medical staff revealed the damage.
Faulkner's struggles during the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift have been well-documented. She endured two crashes in the first four stages, narrowly avoiding the time cut on Stage 2. Despite these setbacks, Faulkner remained optimistic about her future in cycling.
"I hope my struggles during the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will be relatable to others and remind people that even the strongest athletes struggle," Faulkner said. "We don't get to choose what the cameras zoom in on or what people see."
Faulkner's illness in the run-up to the women's Tour de France also affected her performance, ultimately leading to her abandoning the race on Stage 5 after crashing during the neutral roll-out from Chasseneuil-du-Poitou.
After consulting with USA Cycling and several orthopedic doctors, it was decided that an operation to repair the cartilage was best for Faulkner's long-term health. The timing of the procedure means Faulkner will sit out the remainder of the calendar.
Despite the setback, Faulkner remains confident that the surgery will allow her to return stronger for the 2026 season. "I'm confident that the surgery will allow me to come back stronger for the 2026 season," Faulkner said. "I'll have a full preseason to race in 2026 after my rehab."
The rehab process for Faulkner will be about six weeks before she can get back on the bike. Faulkner will miss several upcoming races, including the Maryland Cycling Classic and the UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda.
However, Faulkner's surgery was successful, and she will be able to start the 2026 season on a normal timeline, fully recovered. Faulkner's doctor, Dr. David Kibuuka, will oversee her recovery.
Faulkner's struggles during the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift have been a reminder that even the strongest athletes can face challenges. Faulkner hopes that her openness about her struggles will inspire others and highlight the realities of being a racer.
"I hope my struggles can remind people that even the strongest athletes struggle," Faulkner said. "I hope my openness about my struggles can inspire others and highlight the realities of being a racer."
Despite missing the rest of the 2025 season, Faulkner remains optimistic about her future in cycling. Faulkner's fans can look forward to seeing her back on the bike in 2026, stronger than ever.
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